3. Get nerdy about words.

Review every word choice in your first few drafts. There may be more precise words or phrases that capture your intentions.

4. You don’t know anything.

To develop your inner professional proofreader, you’ll assume the identity of a person who did not write your text. As you examine spelling, grammar, and syntax, make sure that a stranger would consider the content informative and clear.

5. Find inspiration.

Look for new ideas when you carefully proofread each word. If you eliminate a tangent that is not appropriate for your current document, consider the topic for another piece of writing.

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Stefanie Flaxman created Revision Fairy® Small Business Proofreading Services with your editing needs in mind.